Host a dinner party to help hospice

Special to the Courier

POSTED:May 5, 2011 11:17 a.m.

Plans are under way for Hospice Savannah’s second annual Summer Night event Saturday, June 11. The soirée is the brainchild of Community Services Director Jamey Espina, who said he sees its importance as a “friendraiser” overshadowing its role as a fundraiser. “I wanted Hospice Savannah to have a signature event in the summer, which is traditionally a very slow time for Savannah’s social calendar,” Espina said. “We are asking staff, volunteers, families and supporters to consider hosting an early evening dinner for their friends. No dinner party is too small, too casual, too large or too formal. Perhaps its dinner in a restaurant, a picnic in the park or honoring a loved one by cooking their favorite meal. Last year, our executive assistant cooked her dad’s favorite spaghetti dinner in his memory.”Dinner guests are asked to make donations to support the community-funded services Hospice Savannah offers — bereavement help for community residents, massage therapy, music therapy, story keeping and an overnight children’s grief camp. The evening of dinner parties culminates with all the guests coming together from 8:30-10 p.m. in the Roundhouse Railroad Museum’s garden for desserts, drinks, coffee and music by jazz duo Silver Lining. There are no presentations or speeches — just fun. The museum also offers safe, free parking.Hospice Savannah supporters interested in hosting a dinner party on June 11 should register online at www.HospiceSavannahHelps.org or call Espina at 912-629-1095. Hosts are asked to sign up by mid-May. On May 16, party hosts will be invited to a brief, wine-and-cheese informational meeting.